Weep Holes in Basement Waterproofing Albertson, NY
If you know anything about basements and basement waterproofing, you know that basement wall cracks are the enemy and ought to be dealt with as soon as possible to avoid water seepage. Then how could it possibly be beneficial to a basement to drill holes through the wall? Wouldn’t it cause water seepage?
What are Weep Holes?
Weep holes in basement waterproofing are small holes that are drilled into basement walls. They are drilled into the wall near its bottom. These holes are drilled into walls to allow water to drain more quickly into the basement’s drainage system. They are a key element in a basement waterproofing system for a block foundation.
Why Weep Holes are Beneficial in Basement Waterproofing
You may be wondering whether it would be beneficial to have weep holes installed as part of your basement waterproofing system. The answer to this question depends on your situation. For example, what type of foundation walls does your home have?
Weep holes are especially beneficial for foundations constructed from concrete masonry units (CMU blocks). While these blocks make for a sturdy foundation and can bear a great deal of weight, they can be infiltrated by water from the surrounding soil. The water penetrates the blocks and enters into the cavities within the block walls. This can be a source of flooding in the basement. The weep holes provide a passage for the water accumulating within the cavities in the wall. The water drains into the drainage system and is guided away from the basement to prevent flooding.
Weep holes also play an important role in reducing the hydrostatic pressure acting against the basement walls. The water accumulating in the soil on the outside surface of the basement walls presses against the basement walls. The increased hydrostatic pressure against the walls can cause them to bow inward and crack. If the situation is not addressed, water may begin to seep through the cracks and flood the basement. The walls may also be damaged resulting in the need for expensive repairs.
Weep holes can help you avoid damage to the foundation walls. The holes allow water from the surrounding soil to drain faster into the basement’s drainage system. This effectively reduces the hydrostatic pressure acting against the basement walls and prevents damage to the basement walls.
Weep holes are also essential for keeping the basement dry. They help to ensure faster drainage of water and thus prevent water from flooding into the basement. You can have more peace of mind when you have weep holes in your basement walls.
Should I Have Weep Holes Installed in My Basement Walls?
It depends on your particular situation. Weep holes offer many benefits in basement waterproofing. However, they are not effective for every situation. It is best to consult with a waterproofing expert to determine whether they would benefit your foundation or not.
Get in touch with us to speak with an experienced expert from our team. We would be glad to discuss your needs and how we can help.
Contact the Professionals at A.M. Shield Waterproofing Corp. Today! (516) 294-8400
